What happens before and during your dog’s photoshoot
One key point of a photoshoot is to capture special moments that show your dog’s personality, so getting your dog ready should not be a chore. Equally important is that the whole experience should be fun!
Before the photoshoot, we will speak and agree on an outdoor location, somewhere safe for your dog and beautiful for the images.
Many of the photoshoots I carry out are in woodland areas, so we may all get muddy. However, an urban setting can also be the ideal places to capture images of your dog, so a pamper session a few days or so before the photoshoot can make them look like a Crufts winner in a photograph, especially if you have it displayed in a central space in your home. If you decide to have your dog bathed and groomed, it is best to do it a day or two before, and preferably not on the same day as photoshoot day, which can be tiring for them.
We may capture some images with you in them, so wear something you like and avoid clashing colours and too many patterns, as you and your dog need to be the focus of attention. If you’re having photographs with your dog and family, remember to remove keys and phones from your pockets, as these can be obvious and unsightly in the final image—extensive retouching can also be expensive.
Beautiful Boys
What to bring?
Pack any favourite items, such as squeaky toys or a ball. Get some favourite treats, such as something with a strong smell, and bring plenty to reinforce positive behaviours. Anything that you think will help get your dog’s attention will be of assistance. It will help them focus so we can work towards capturing some photographs with their ears pricked and looking interested.
If your dog tends to drool, please bring a cloth to keep it clean. If your dog is hairy, ensure the fur is not in its eyes, as we will want to see them in the final image.
The day of the photoshoot will happen at your dog’s pace. It is a good idea to get to the venue about 10-15 minutes early so your dog can settle, have a walk, run or sniff around, as it can be a bit daunting for them when they first see the camera. You can let me know when you have reached the location but always keep your phone nearby if we have problems meeting up.
If your dog wears a harness, we will discuss whether they will tolerate wearing a collar on the day. It is best to have a collar and lead rather than a harness as this allows the photographs to highlight your dog, and any accessories are less obvious. When printed, images without a harness look better than those with one, as your dog becomes the
focus of the image. Generally, images of a dog standing or sitting can be captured with a lead and collar on, and these are removed post-production – a collar is much easier to edit out than a harness. Using a collar and lead also means no need to worry that your dog will run off. If you are confident your dog is well-trained, we may take some images off the lead. However, there is no problem if your dog is not keen to listen; we can keep them on a lead and use squeaky toys or treats to get their attention. Flexi-leashes are not used in my photo session as you’ll have less control over your dog. They are large and detract from the image.
What is your role in the session?
We will discuss this in advance, and I will explain what I want you to do when we start the photoshoot. I will mainly ask you to handle your dog so they listen and follow your cues. We will generally ask your dog to do something up to three times, reward them, and move on regardless of whether we get the photograph. If you know something your dog does not like, please do say it, and we will avoid it. Your dog leads the sessions, so we will capture those poses if they can sit, lay down, or stand in one position. If not, we won’t force it to happen. Again, we will try poses if they are confident such as standing on a log, putting their paws on a rock or steps, or laying amongst an avenue of trees. We will look for beautiful landscapes as the backdrop to enhance the image.
I will ask you to hold the lead, and once your dog is in position, step to the side. You must be mindful that your dog’s body shouldn’t be in front of you or between the camera and you. I may also ask you to walk past me so I can continue taking photos of the background. These pointers make editing the lead or any legs and arms from the final shot easier.
You will actively provide treats, make noises, and throw balls during the photoshoot. It is best not to bring the whole family, as this can be a distraction. The final images will be of your dog or dogs, so you’ll want to get their best side!
How do I describe my style of photography?
I work hard to capture those moments your dog creates naturally and aim to offer beautiful and meaningful images for you to treasure. For me, this is not just another booking but a special session unique to your fur baby. During the photoshoot, I want you all to have fun, and when you see the final images, I hope to provide a ‘wow’ moment.
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